CONGRESSMAN LIEU STATEMENT ON 6th ANNIVERSARY OF CITIZENS UNITED DECISION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) released the following statement on the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission:

“Today is the sixth-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision, which allowed corporations to make unlimited independent expenditures on political activities. Since the decision, we have seen the growing influence of Super PACs that do not truly represent the will of the American people, but give an outsized voice to the wealthiest individuals. Without limits on campaign contributions, politicians spend too much time catering to special interests, and not enough time connecting with everyday Americans. Our founders envisioned a government of the people, by the people, and for the people; but, that can only occur if every person is able to fairly express their views.

“Throughout my career I have advocated campaign finance reform. When I was in the California State Legislature, a bill that I authored and was then passed called for a ballot advisory measure allowing Californians to express their views on the Citizens United decision. This week the California Legislature filed a petition requesting that the California Supreme Court place the advisory measure on the November 2016 ballot—the Court must allow voters to express their views this November. Furthermore, I believe that Congress must also pass a constitutional amendment overturning Citizens United so that all Americans’ voices can be heard.”

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